Almost a third of small and medium sized (SME's) businesses across Great Britain believe HS2 high speed rail project will benefit their business.

52% also expect it to increase their growth potential.

The figures are drawn from the results of the latest quarterly Close Brothers Business Barometer.

CEO of Close Brothers Asset Finance, Mike Randall, said: "The HS2 high speed railway project will connect London Euston, the Midlands, North West England, Yorkshire and potentially also the North East of England and the Central Belt of Scotland.

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"It is hoped that the project, which is mooted to generate almost £60 billion in user benefits as well as around £13 billion wider economic benefits, will form part of Britain's core economic infrastructure when complete.

"In theory HS2 will bring a range of benefits to businesses across the UK. Enhanced connectivity should boost productivity and bring opportunities for increased trade. It's also worth noting that it will give cities outside of London a chance to make a wider contribution to the economy."

(CD/JP)